Many foreign travelers are advised to leave Lebanon as tensions in the region grow. Travelers rush to leave Lebanon as tensions escalate and flights are canceled amid fears of a wider Middle East conflict. The list of those leaving include Lebanese. Flights continue to be canceled or delayed masking for growing lines. The Israeli-Hamas conflict has spread across borders growing the unease in Lebanon.
At a Glance
- France, US, and UK warn citizens to leave Lebanon due to rising tensions
- Airlines cancel flights, causing long queues at Beirut airport
- Hezbollah launches rockets at Israel, escalating regional conflict
- Assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders heightens fears of war
- Some Lebanese remain undeterred, continuing travel plans despite threats
Mass Exodus from Beirut Airport
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport has become a sense of urgency as travelers rush to leave Lebanon amid escalating tensions in the region. The airport, Lebanon’s sole international gateway, is witnessing long queues at check-in and security as passengers scramble to board flights out of the country. Several nations, including the US and the UK, have advised its citizens to depart from Lebanon and other bordering countries.
As the region increases in its volatility, fears continue to rise among the millions in Lebanon. Hezbollah’s claim of launching dozens of Katyusha rockets at Israel overnight, coupled with the recent assassinations of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah’s military chief Fuad Shukr, have contributed to the growing unease.
People continue to leave Lebanon in droves. Beirut Airport: https://t.co/xbBarS5Pkq pic.twitter.com/ml34gUVMEI
— FJ (@Natsecjeff) August 4, 2024
Flight Cancellations and Travel Disruptions
Many airlines are canceling flights altogether due to the escalating crisis in the area. Lufthansa Group and Air France are among the carriers that have altered their schedules, citing security concerns. Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines, has also delayed some flights due to insurance-related issues, although it has downplayed fears of an attack on the airport itself.
“I’m not happy to leave. I wanted to spend the whole summer in Lebanon then go back to work” in France, said Joelle Sfeir from the crowded departures hall at Beirut airport. “But my flight was canceled and I was forced to book another ticket today,” she told AFP.
These disruptions have not only affected tourists and expatriates but have also impacted Lebanese citizens working or studying abroad, forcing many to alter their travel plans abruptly. Travel agencies report a surge in demand for outbound flights, with numerous cancellations for holiday reservations.
Passengers wait to board at an unusually empty airport in Beirut, while several airlines have cancelled their flights due to numerous “Israeli” strikes. Some countries have called on their nationals to leave Lebanon because of the rapidly deteriorating security situation. pic.twitter.com/6eEo7DEXAa
— Roya News English (@RoyaNewsEnglish) September 29, 2024
Regional Tensions and Security Concerns
As the one year anniversary of Hamas attack upon Israel approaches, the fallout has reached into Lebanon, Syria and Iran.The invasion one year ago by Hamas led to over a thousand deaths and nearly 250 hostages taken into Gaza.. The subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza has led to a reported 39,583 Palestinian deaths and 91,398 injuries, according to the Gaza health ministry.
The conflict has spilled over to neighboring areas, with Hezbollah attacking Israeli communities and military posts since October 8, citing support for Gaza. The recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim was carried out by Israel using a “short-range projectile,” has further intensified the situation.
Mixed Reactions and Ongoing Operations
Despite the heightened tensions and travel advisories, some Lebanese travelers remain undeterred. Beirut airport continues to operate as usual, and the summer tourist season in Lebanon has seen only minimal impact thus far. However, the airport did experience a slight decrease in arrivals and an increase in departures in June compared to the previous year.
Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown conflict. A Western diplomat suggested that any Israeli retaliation would likely be symbolic and not lead to a generalized conflict.
Many travelers and citizens keep a watchful eye upon these the situation. The scene at Beirut airport serves as a poignant illustration of the broader socioeconomic and political challenges faced by individuals amid continuous conflict in the region.
